What is about this old Japanese technique called ‘Raku’?
The word derives from the ideogram meaning 'joy', 'pleasure'.
The main feature of this technique is the thermal shock to which the clay is handled. The glowing ceramic piece, coming out of the kiln, is placed on organic materials and then dipped into water to extinguish. The carbon of the smoke removes oxygen from metal oxides, which are converted to metals, resulting in metal surfaces.
The three elements of nature: Earth, Fire, Water - play a key role in the outcome which is always unexpected and unique.